The purpose of this project is to explore how African Americans, through music, have influenced what it means to be American. Students will research and identify evidence/artifacts that reflect the evolution of American culture as it intersects with African American history.
Specifically, students will investigate the relationship between musical structure (call & response, polyrhythm, syncopation & blues) and what it means to be American. Students will also investigate data from the US Census to document how one institution, i.e. the US government, has organized information on American identity.
Questions:
How have elements of African-influenced musical structures influenced American music and culture?
How has African-American identity evolved through music over time?
How effectively does the US Census profile the socio-economic status of African Americans?
Thesis:
In spite of social and economic oppression that has accompanied the legacy of slavery, African Americans have continued to culturally flourish. Music, as one aspect of American culture, reflects the influence of African Americans through creative tensions between individualism and group consciousness.
Student Pages:
Foundation:
Specifically, students will investigate the relationship between musical structure (call & response, polyrhythm, syncopation & blues) and what it means to be American. Students will also investigate data from the US Census to document how one institution, i.e. the US government, has organized information on American identity.
Questions:
Thesis:
In spite of social and economic oppression that has accompanied the legacy of slavery, African Americans have continued to culturally flourish. Music, as one aspect of American culture, reflects the influence of African Americans through creative tensions between individualism and group consciousness.Group Pages:
Bethany, Ryan, Andrew, Catherine
Isabella, Tucker, Zach, Shamarlon
Ruben, Andora, Rondell, Daniel Wt.
Kamillah, Heather, Daniel Wn.
Dre'Quan, Sam, Joe, Chelsea
Christian, Khalil, Brianna
Claire, Naquan, Tahir, Vincent
Cyndi, Alex, Taylor, Steven
Resources:
History of African American Music, by Portia K. Maultsby, Ph.D (via Carnegie Hall, New York City); 2009.What is Hip-Hop? (from the University of Indiana)
The Blues (from Public Broadcasting Service)
Music:
Front page:
May, 2009